How to sell family safaris

Africa experts Tess and Mike Kelly set up Coral Tree Travel specifically to cater for family travel to the continent. Here’s their advice to agents to help them remove the barriers to taking children on safari.

THINK AGE RESTRICTIONS

While safari lodges generally allow most ages to stay, for game drives five upwards is more typical. Tess says: “There’s generally babysitting on offer, and places [youngsters] can go. If an exclusive-use safari vehicle is booked for the family, some places will allow children under five to go out.”

Walking safaris are commonly restricted to over 12s and, in Botswana, over 16s. Trekking to see gorillas is for 15- to 16-year-olds upwards, and hot air balloons may require a minimum height.

Consider sleeping arrangements, as some camps don’t allow under-10s or under-12s in a room unaccompanied, so adults may have to sleep in separate rooms with a child each. But there are now increasingly rooms on safari for families of four.

TALK MALARIAL CONSIDERATIONS

“If you want a no-malaria safari, it’s essentially South Africa or nowhere,” says Tess. However, she adds: “It’s medically possible to give anti- malarials to children from around the age of two. If parents are open to that, with medical history taken into consideration, it can open up a lot more of Africa. It’s worth talking about, from an agent’s point of view; it’s not necessarily a no-no.” The Kellys, who have given anti-malarials to their three-year-old daughter, suggest crushing the tablets with mashed banana or honey.

FLEX WITH THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

“Whenever the school holidays are, there’s always a good destination in Africa to consider from a weather and wildlife point of view,” says Tess.

For February half-term she recommends Kenya or Tanzania, or Cape Town and the Garden Route in South Africa. At Easter, or May half-term, families prepared to compromise on weather could bag a bargain, Tess explains. “East Africa can be wet and there can be a lot of mud but there’s hardly anyone there. It’s a really good-value time to go.”

Over Christmas and New Year, while East and South Africa are busy, off-peak Botswana, where rates “fluctuate wildly”, can be half the price of its summer peak, Tess explains. It’s also worth looking at the destination for October half term.

STRESS THE NO JET LAG ADVANTAGE

There are few long-haul places where families don’t have to factor in jet lag but in Africa they’ll be ready for adventure as soon as they land.

“South Africa, in particular, is almost straight south, so you’re looking at an hour’s difference, possibly two, which, if your children are really on the young side, can help enormously,” says Tess. “East Africa is two or three hours and the rest of Africa lies somewhere in between.”

THINK ACCESSIBILITY

“The only [African safari] countries that have direct flights from the UK are Kenya and South Africa so that’s a big consideration when you’re travelling with young children,” says Mike. He explains that the lodges in both countries are also better geared to youngsters, while in South Africa the wildlife areas are particularly accessible. It’s the destination the Kellys most commonly recommend for families taking a first-time safari.

CONSIDER A PRIVATE VEHICLE

Game-drive vehicles usually seat six, so a family of four or fewer is likely to be sharing with others. Some camps guarantee a private vehicle if you book certain family accommodation, otherwise Kelly recommends reserving one. “If budget allows, do it, as it will significantly enhance your guests’ experience.” This could cost £500 to £600 a day but agents might also suggest a multigenerational trip, which could push the party up to six.

More tips for agents to share with clients

Know your level: “We ask ‘tell us about some of the other holidays you’ve done as a family’,” says Mike. “You start to get an idea of what their tolerance level is and whether they’re looking for something that’s quite sanitised or more adventurous.”

Consider downtime: For many families,a pool to occupy and cool the children between game drives is important. Look also for camps with additional activities. “Lots of operators now have specific kids’ programmes, so outside of the normal game drives they can be going off with the guides or the trackers to learn about bows and arrows or tracking animal poo!” says Mike.

Don’t overdo it: The Kellys recommend a week maximum for family safaris, and three or fewer days if children are young. They also suggest families stay in one spot.

Push educational value: Bear in mind some teachers can be sympathetic to clients pushing the school holiday dates a little because of the educational value of safaris.